1. Dr. Chandan N.
Intern (2007 Regular batch),
MIMS, Mandya

2.  Diaper dermatitis is a chemical irritant
dermatitis secondary to urine and feces.

3.  Increased wetness of the diaper area.
 Infrequent change of diaper.
 Common after change of baby’s diet from
breast milk to solid.

4.  Increased wetness by urine and faeces makes
the skin more susceptible to damage by
physical, chemical and enzymatic
mechanisms.
 Low pH of urine causes irritation of skin.
 Enzymes like lipases and proteases in faeces
get reactivated at low pH and causes
irritation.
 Furthermore they cause breach in stratum
corneum and predisposes to secondary
infections.

5.  Candida albicans infections is seen in most of
the cases after 48-72 hours of chemical
dermatitis.
 Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli,
Proteus mirabilis etc., can also cause
secondary infections.

6.  Commonly seen in the age group of 9-15
months, but can be seen as early as 2 months
of age.
 Buttocks, genitalia and upper thighs are
involved which are in contact with wet diaper.
 The depths of skin folds are spared.
 Erythema in mild cases and vesicles, small
erosions, papules, large ulcers in moderate to
severe cases.

8.  KOH mount
 VDRL
 Skin biopsy

9.  Primary candidal infection
 Bullous impetigo
 Psoriasis
 Congenital syphilis
 Irritant contact dermatitis
 Scabies
 Intertrigo
 Atopic dermatitis

10.  Using of cotton or super absorbable diapers
 Frequent changing of diaper

11.  Mild topical corticosteroid with an antifungal.